Fall Fun in West Michigan

Fall is in the air! In West Michigan that means a trip to the apple orchard or pumpkin patch. It also means good times celebrating Halloween and other fall related activities. There are a whole host of ways you can enjoy all the great things that fall brings aside from pumpkin lattes at the local coffee shop.

For those who like things on the spooky side, The Haunt is the most terrifying attraction in West Michigan to get your scare on. " A 20,000 square foot compound of fear" has you trekking half a mile through heart pounding hallways. The Haunt was voted the number one haunted attraction in West Michigan. If you prefer to be freaked out in the great outdoors, The Forest of Fear, winds you through five acres of haunted woods and swamps, past ghosts, monsters, and other terrifying creatures.

If you're less into scary attractions, but prefer to celebrate Halloween with a little bit of partying,the Grand Rapids area has several events to offer. The Crush at The B.O.B. presents “Night Club on Elm Street” on October 31st, complete with a Halloween costume contest. Founders Brewery, also downtown, not only offers some of the best beers in the world, but they have their annual Halloween Spooktacular on Halloween night. Right up the street from our very own Prairieside Suites, Chicago Dr. Pub & Grill is also celebrating that night with a Halloween costume contest with prizes, a live DJ, and free pool. And if a flashback to the 80's is more your thing, The Intersection is having a Mega 80's Spooktacular on November 2nd.

Maybe Halloween isn't your thing at all and fall is more about long walks in the woods, hayrides, apple picking, fresh pumpkin donuts, and hot apple cider. There's plenty of that sort of fabulous fall fun to be had in and around the Grand Rapids area. Kent Harvest Trails is a compilation of 19 local family farms that offer all sorts of fall activities from apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, face painting, petting zoos, to all sorts of other autumn related activities for the kids. Post Family Farm is a personal favorite simply because their fresh pumpkin donuts can't be beat, but you can also enjoy a hay ride, their corn maze, or the kids can enjoy the pumpkin train. On the north side of town, Robinette's offers the typical apple orchard activities, but also has a great little winery to check out. (And on the subject of donuts, they offer one glazed in maple with bacon sprinkled on top that I highly recommend). Robinette's is a great place to visit if you're of the more active variety. On Sundays they offer free organized trail runs with The Dirty Herd through their orchard. They also offer their trails up for biking for anyone wanting to get out at any day for a bit of exercise through some beautiful land.

There are a lot of great activities to enjoy this fall in West Michigan, but maybe you're the type that just wants to do your own thing, see the beautiful colors, and enjoy the crisp fall air. Check here to see recommended ways to do a driving color tour of West Michigan.

No matter what activities your fall plans may include, keep in mind that the best way to finish off your day after fun fall festivities is a stay at Prairieside Suites Luxury Bed & Breakfast. A cozy bed, romantic jacuzzi for two and a cup of hot chocolate are the perfect finishing touches to a fun fall day.